2010 Chevy Equinox Problems

Comments

farmboy - I agree with you totally. The dealer has been great! They have been professional and treated me with respect and addressed my concerns as things went downhill on the car. I did get good gas mileage on the first engine in my car (28 mpg overall). My new motor was put in a few hundred miles ago so I'm curious to see what the new engine will do.GM has treated this issue as tho it is somehow my fault the engine was a POS. The company representative I dealt with was rude with a "take it or leave what are you complaining" about attitude. Very poor customer service by GM.

Tlundsr - get your dealer to do an oil consumption test ASAP. That cream sludge on the oil cap IS NOT GOOD. When that appeared on my dispstick while the oil consumption tests were being done, my dealer had me bring it in right away as he said I could have a catastrophic engine failure. It was parked and I was given a loaner to use while they worked with GM to get a replacement engine. If your dealer won't work with you find another one who will do this test. The oil consumption test is the only way to verify that the engine is bad and to get GM to replace it under your powertrain warranty.

tlundsr, I'm sorry if you never heard back from us. Did you already try emailing at socialmedia@gm.com (including details like your name and contact information, a summary of the situation, the last 8 digits of your VIN and the name of your dealership)?

We would be happy to open up a Service Request for you if we could please have you email us the information we need to get started (name, contact information, last 8 of VIN, mileage, and summary of situation) to socialmedia@gm.com.

If you're truly going to be pursuing legal representation, we will only be able to assist you up until the point you obtain counsel. Once that happens, your attorney would have to contact us, and this would be handled in a different department (just so you're aware of the process).

sueven, My coworkers and I at the social media department have done what we can in this situation as this went to your District Specialist, who has more empowerment than we have to assist our customers. I apologize that me not responding to all of your posts has added to your frustration - we have done what we can and the District Specialist would be your best point of contact. We can look for any updates if the case is still open, and would prefer to do this via email. Sarah, GM Customer Service

The district specialist refuses to call me....I have left messages and have not gotten any calls in return. Any other ideas? my email is sueven@optonline.netI cannot understand how they deem my case closed without even speaking to me. I will continue to share this horrible story to as many as I can as it the only satisfaction I seem to be able to get.

This oil consumption garbage has to stop...modern engines should use NO OIL, between changes, nothing, nutta...zip...Honda's dont, Toyotas dont, Fords dont, so why does GM get away with this...

40 years as a mechanic, seen it all, and believe me, GM is hiding substantial issues with these 4 cylinder engines...leaks aside, a modern CAFE compliant engine MUST NOT consume oil, or it will fail emissions regulation standards. My wife drives a 2011 4 cyl Equinox, it codes out regularly, usually with P0011 codes....it gets 3,000 mile oil changes and filters every time, and the oil still discolors after 100 miles...this tells me the bypass leakage on these engines is excessive, the gas dilution is catastrophic and once the cooling system starts to leak into the engine (look for white goop inside the oil cap or on the dipstick) the end of that engine is very close. GM hides behind these so called "oil consumption tests"...truth is, it looks like GM should have been allowed to fail...like its engines seem to be doing.

I have made flyers that I keep in my car - every time I see a NOX i stick one in the windsield alerting the owner of the possible problems being that GM is not being honest to these owners and coming clean about all the problems.I will continue to place these flyers as long as I have to pay for this piece of JUNK!

I'm adding another voice to the masses here.I bought my 2010 Chevy Equinox 3 years ago brand new. It has 113,000 KM on it. At about 50,000KM it refused to accelerate on the highway. The timing chain was replaced. At 80,000KM it would shake when stopped at red lights. We brought it in to the dealership, and they told us there was no oil left in the car - and to check our oil levels more often, even though it was not due for a change yet. I found that fair enough, so I was put on their oil consumption monitoring program. Then, the car stalled during driving, when I was putting on the brakes. That freaked me out. What kind of a three year old car (with two years of payments left!) just cuts out on you like that? So I took it in, and again all that happened was an oil change and some software updates. Then, on my way home from work one day, it stalled again - multiple times. Five stalls before I can make the one extra block to my house. Took it back to the dealership, and they changed the fuel pump. That was supposed to solve all my problems. But guess what's happened since then? You got it - two more occurances of engine stall while driving (both while braking). I have a file open with GM Customer Care, and the car at this moment is sitting in the dealership. I've just had it with driving this thing, as I'm sure many of you have as well. It is unreliable and if it stalls in the wrong moment, potentially dangerous. I could NOT imagine driving with children in this vehicle. I don't drive it on any long trips because I don't want to be stranded away from home (and trips was the reason I bought an SUV). I shouldn't feel this way about a car that cost me $40,000. I shouldn't be scared to drive my own car. If they can't find the problem, if they can't fix it for GOOD, then give me some options GM - let's be reasonable and talk about a potential trade-in, maybe a new engine. SOMETHING. That is what I'm waiting for before I decide to never buy or recommend GM ever again. To General Motors: There's no such thing as a free lunch - you saved some money by cutting corners on the production line; you have to spend it now to fix the problems you have caused for good people buying your product.

yes, we have all been thru a similar ordeal. I have had my new engine since November and my nox is quieter, getting better fuel economy and going thru just a normal amount of oil - that said it was 2+ years of taking it in to deal with various issues. Don't give up - get a great dealership to go to bat for you )this is crucial!). If you don't like the one you are dealing with, find another. My car was in numerous times, I never paid a dime for rentals and everything was covered under the powertrain warranty. Some items GM pushed back on but my dealership fought hard. In the end, we came out ahead, but we had to go to the mat, and it was stressful. We also got a $200 prepaid Visa from GM for our time and trouble - as well as the new engine. Small potatoes for the time and energy we expended, but now I am happy with my 'nox. Good luck to you all, the oil consumption test is the final step in the process, so although it is a pain - go ahead and do it.

I bought my 2010 Chevy Equinox in March of 2010. It has 38,000 ,miles on it. 2 weeks ago it quit would not start so I had it towed. I was told there was no oil and I needed a new motor. Then both front sway bars were cracked or broken. I was going to take those to get fixed yesterday and the car wouldn't start again so I had it towed again and now it's the alternator. Both times the car has started at 7 am, I drive a block turn it off and it dies. Is it worth even fixing the problem or just trade it in on a non Chevy vehicle. I assumed a 2010 would last longer then 3 years.

I'm afraid if I fix this what other problems will start happening. Could the dealership that put in the new motor done something to the battery or alternator?

I had no or low oil too. Mine has 70,000 miles and a new motor, fuel pump, fuel injectors. I also got a new air compressor last summer. This car is the worst that I've ever had. I wanted a Camry but my husband insisted that I get a Chevrolet. Oh, and I had to take the Equinox back 2 weeks after getting the motor because there was a noise every time I slowed down or turned. They replaced a bracket holding the exhaust. Seems like it goes back to the dealer at least once a month. I will definitely get rid of it before it hits 100,000 miles. This will probably be my last Chevrolet. This has been such a disappointment.

run for your life - keep your money and invest it in a non GM vehicle - some of the dealers are amazing - but ultimately GM is not standing behind it's faulty product they way the should - if you can get rid of this piece of crap and move on!

ams4isu, We're sorry that you've had this experience with your Equinox and would be happy to work with you through the repair process if you like. Please don't hesitate to email us at socialmedia@gm.com with more details (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and a summary of the situation). Sarah, GM Customer Service

I just wanted to post what's happened with my Equinox since I last posted.The cam shaft position actuator solenoids, timing chain guide, and intake/exhaust actuators have been replaced. Does that mean the engine is okay now? Will it stop burning oil? I don't know, and I am tired of driving it on pins and needles, waiting to find out if it will stall again. I still don't want to take it too far from home.I am at the point where I have $13000 left of payments on this thing, and all I want is to part ways with it and never see it again. I am going to look into my options for selling/trade-in. If I can at least wipe my debt clean, I will do that and purchase a new vehicle. A new vehicle that did not come off a GM production line!!!!

This will not solve your problem - I had almost all of these things done before I reveid my new engine. Insist to your dealer that he needs to do an oil consumption test - that is the only way to prove the oil problem and get a new engine. I would not go far from your house because I would bete my NOX that your oil problems are not solved!!!!Let me know how you do when you research trade in options.

Thanks guys! I will definitely continue with the oil consumption test; and I will immediately take it back if it stalls out again, which I suspect it will. My service advisor is driving around in it today, before returning it to me, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it stalls out on her!!Although I will continue to do oil consumption monitoring, I am also planning on actively pursuing selling this car. Even a new engine would make me nervous, since it would be a GM build!I would also love to have a sticker on the back of my car that says "Warning - This vehicle may unexpectedly stop at any time. Made by General Motors" Glad to at least have this forum to express my frustrations and feel understood and supported.

I am having similar issues!! This is not the only issue I've had with my 2010 Equinox...unfortunately! In looking through a lot of posts I see that many share my pain. From the knocking in the engine to now a suspected fuel issue I am disappointed that I have 2 1/2 more years worth of payments. I'll lose too much by trading it in. My biggest issue right now is that my car will chug when I slow to a stop and jerk back and forth until it stalls. I have kids and am scared to take them on the road with me! Auto Zone ran the codes and 3 potential issues returned: ignition misfire, fuel injection problem or oxygen sensor (bank one. )I have replaced the oxygen sensor but am still having the issue. Does anyone know of the fix to this issue?

Other issues...lumbar part of seat broke, stripping came off of the door jam, climate control stuck on high (recall that was easily resolved), and display goes black or flickers when outside temp is 100 degrees plus (not overly concerned but still shouldn't happen.) I really like the look of the car and all of the amenities it comes with for the price but what I need most is a reliable car for my family. Can anyone offer proven solutions based on your own experiences? My local GM dealer doesn't seem to be all that knowledgeable or intuitive in solving problems.

Get your car to the dealer ASAP. Find another one who will work with you if the one you bought from won't help. It sounds like you have some of the same major issues that the rest of us are dealing with. My car was the first Equinox my dealer had in the service dept that had these problems, but they listened to me and the concerns I had and what I had seen posted here on Edmunds. I had a new engine finally installed in my car and all of the work was covered under the powertrain warranty. I know it's a pain but essential to get a dealer behind you.

Hi Michelle, are you also on the oil consumption monitoring program? It seems like you probably have that problem too, and may need a new engine as most of us do. Also sounds like you may need a new fuel pump as many of the rest of the posters have. I really hope your car gets fixed, especially with kids to drive around!If your dealership needs a little help figuring things out, you could show them this technical bulletin, since it probably applies: